December has been an active month in the simulation labs. Fundamentals of Nursing students returned for their third and fourth sessions in the sim lab. During session three the students were assigned a patient and were charged with administering medications. Students know the importance of following the guidelines for safe administration of drugs using the Five Rights (right patient, dose, route, drug and time). They appreciated the opportunity to practice this important skill. During session four, SimMan served as the patient for a NSG 201 (second year) student who demonstrated how to perform a head-to-toe assessment. Students then practiced their skills on live “patients” (second year student vounteers) and were observed and evaluated by faculty.

Ryan’s enthusiasm and creativity are proving to be quite an asset to our program. He is adept at discovering ways to improve our processes and has a talent for trouble shooting the many little technical issues that can crop up. We are especially pleased that our CSP server is now housing podcasts on custom blogs. Using this familiar platform makes a very user friendly site for students to access videos of simulations. Next we want students to be able access our server from off campus and Ryan has initiated the process to allow this to happen!

Ryan at work

Interview

Social Work in Practice Students were in the simulation labs for their first experience. Members of Shelley Cohen Konrad’s class had an excellent introduction to the benefits of practicing interview skills in the lab setting. An actor played the role of a homeless person who was dealing with a difficult diagnosis. Two students interviewed the “client” while the rest of the class observed via video feed. During the debriefing session students reacted to their experience and received feedback from fellow students and the client actor.

“Everyone has to try this, it was a very valuable learning experience.”

Greeting the Client

Simulation Prezi

Cynthia has offered to meet with faculty from all of the health professions disciplines on the Westbrook College Campus (WCC) and recently was invited to speak about “Simulation Opportunities” in nursing. The faculty of the Nursing Department are proponents of simulation and continue to develop plans for further integration of this teaching modality into nursing courses.

During this December faculty development session, participants were given an overview of the program and the many possibilites for utilizing simulation to prepare nursing students. There was extended discussion related to development of interprofessional opportunities for students at UNE. Faculty are looking at developing connections with colleagues from other health professions on the WCC.

Cynthia has also presented at an Occupational Therapy faculty meeting and looks forward to invitations from other departments who are interested in a Clinical Simulation Program update.

Lisa Lambert poses with Nursing Anne

Nursing Anne is one of our medium fidelity simulators who was reintroduced to the Nursing faculty at their December faculty development workshop. Nursing 101 faculty are enthusiastic about using Nursing Anne for their students as they prepare for their first rotations in the hospital setting. They will use her to hone their auscultation skills and will practice urinary catheterization during open lab times in January.

THis patient is complaining of chest pain.

Fifty-two Medical Surgical second-year nursing students were in the simulation labs at various times throughout the semester. They cared for patients with a variety of clinical issues and were enthusiastic about their experiences.

“This was a wonderful learning exsperience. I completely enjoyed everything and realize the value of sim. ”